Treatment of psoriasis: immunosuppressants, antibodies and ultraviolet. How and why immunosuppressants are prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis Immunosuppressants for the treatment of psoriasis

Immunomodulators in psoriasis help to strengthen the body's resistance to the disease. Based on, dermatologists must prescribe them as part of the complex treatment of this autoimmune pathology. In medical practice, many drugs are used to strengthen the immune system. For success and patients it is useful to learn about the features of these drugs.

Types and purpose of immunomodulators

For more than a decade, immunomodulators have shown themselves to be effective boosters of immunity to combat psoriasis.

The drugs are divided into 2 groups:

• immunostimulants that accelerate and enhance the immune response;
• immunosuppressants that reduce the speed and strength of the immune response.

In psoriatic pathologies, immunosuppressants are prescribed, which stabilize the patient's condition and relieve the autoimmune inflammatory process. A number of these compounds help to suppress the production of antibodies and regression of the manifestations of clinical cases of the disease.

Systemic immunosuppressants

Immunomodulators of this category act on the entire immune system as a whole. These include:

1. . The drug inhibits the reproduction of epidermal cells. A powerful drug is used if other medicines are powerless in the treatment of psoriasis and cannot positively affect the patient's immunity. Methotrexate is used both in tablets and in the form of injections.
2. Cyclosporine. The drug inhibits the activity of T-lymphocytes and relieves the autoimmune inflammatory process. The drug does not have a long-term effect on the blood picture. The medicine is usually prescribed.

1. Potent drugs Cyclosporine and Methotrexate are prohibited in a number of diseases, including thrombocytopenia, liver and kidney dysfunction, ulcers.
2. Individual intolerance to the drug.
3. and breastfeeding.
4. Immunodeficiency.

These are not all contraindications to the use of immunomodulators. To prescribe an effective and safe medication, data on the patient's immunity status are needed, so only the attending physician can choose the right immunomodulator. The use of the drug in the presence of contraindications may cause or addiction.

Interesting! A dermatologist gives a free referral for tests and helps you navigate the whole variety of pharmaceutical names.

The effectiveness of therapy with immunomodulators

By following all the doctor's prescriptions and prescriptions, you can achieve increased immunity and softening. As practice has shown, if the patient responsibly follows the recommendations of a dermatologist, then complex therapy with the inclusion of immunomodulators increases the likelihood of remission by an average of 50–60%.

Immunomodulators for psoriasis have been actively used in different countries of the world for about two decades.

The use of drugs from this group makes it possible to achieve a rapid disappearance of the symptoms of the disease and a prolongation of remission. When prescribing treatment, it is necessary to choose the right immunomodulator, its dosage and the total duration of treatment.

Psoriasis is a disease that develops as a result of dysfunction of the immune system. Therefore, immunomodulators are often prescribed for the treatment of the disease.

These drugs are divided into two large groups:

1. Immunosuppressants are drugs that suppress the functioning of the immune system.
2. Immunostimulants - drugs that activate the immune system.

Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, immunosuppressive drugs are used to treat it. The immunomodulatory properties of drugs are explained by their ability to influence hematopoiesis (blood formation), react with proteins involved in the immune response and block the production of nucleotides.

Immunosuppressants used in the treatment of psoriasis are divided into several types:

The groups of immunosuppressors listed above, except for monoclonal antibodies, affect the entire immune system. Therefore, their use can adversely affect the work of other organs. When prescribing immunomodulators of general action, the patient must constantly undergo appropriate examinations.

The newest generation of immunosuppressants (monoclonal antibodies) is endowed with a selective effect: they affect not only one of the links of immunity, but also one, a special reaction in this link. Prior to their appointment, a thorough immunological blood test is necessary, which helps to choose the right medicine. But on the other hand, the exceptional selectivity of their action and specificity make it possible to treat autoimmune pathology at the modern level.

It is required to establish how immunoglobulin belonging to class E is changed in psoriasis. With lesions of the skin of an autoimmune nature, the concentration of immunoglobulins from class E in the blood increases to a maximum value.

The list of monoclonal antibody drugs includes: Thymodepressin, Simulect, Alefacept, Efalizumab, Adalimumab

Immunobiological drugs are not prescribed for all patients with psoriasis. Treatment with drugs of this group is justified if the disease has a protracted and severe form, or the pathology leads to psoriatic arthritis. Few people know that with psoriasis, severe conditions occur that lead to damage to internal organs and even to disability.

Immunosuppressive agents are prescribed in complex therapy along with other medicines, physiotherapy, and hardware effects. The immunomodulator is not always chosen correctly the first time, since each patient tolerates the effects of drugs from this group on the body in different ways.

The use of immunosuppressants in psoriasis helps to achieve long-term remission. But not always their application is characterized only by positive results. Before prescribing immunobiological drugs, the patient needs to know that the treatment:

• It should be under the supervision of a doctor and with periodic testing. This is required to detect unwanted deviations from the internal organs.
• Can lead to pathological changes in the structure of the skin.
• May exacerbate the symptoms of the disease with the next exacerbation.
• Increases the likelihood of infections and inflammatory diseases due to a decrease in immunity.

The latest generation of immunomodulating drugs used in the treatment of psoriasis are expensive. Therefore, not all patients can afford them, which also complicates the therapy process.

Because of the high likelihood of severe side effects after immunosuppressive therapy, doctors prescribe these medications only when safer treatments fail.

The drug belongs to monoclonal antibodies, is made using cells obtained from hamster ovaries. The main action is the suppression of activated T-lymphocytes, which in the treatment of psoriasis reduces the severity of symptoms, reduces the inflammatory process and improves skin condition.

Efalizumab is indicated for patients with severe plaque psoriasis. The drug is administered subcutaneously with a gradual increase in dosage. The injection is given once a week, the total duration of the course is three months.

If at the end of this period a positive trend is revealed, then the use of the drug is continued. In the absence of changes in the course of the disease, Efalizumab is no longer used.

Possible side effects during treatment with the drug:

• Flu-like syndrome, manifested by nausea, pain in the muscles and head, symptoms of intoxication.
• Allergic reactions at the injection site - hyperemia, rash, urticaria. You can reduce these manifestations by constantly changing the injection site.
• development of infectious diseases.
• Changes in the blood - leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis.

During treatment, it is required to monitor the indicators of blood cells on a monthly basis. Efalizumab is prescribed separately from other general and systemic immunomodulators. Women of childbearing age are required to use reliable contraception when using this medicine, as there is a risk of fetal malformations in a possible pregnancy.

Efalizumab is not prescribed for patients under 18 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients with severe infectious diseases and malignant neoplasms.

Synthetic drug, consists of tryptophan and glutamic acid. Thymodepressin is a drug with low toxicity, therefore it is used in the treatment of psoriasis in children. The therapeutic effect begins to appear already with the appointment of a small dose of an immunomodulator.

Available in solution for intramuscular injection and in the form of a nasal spray. The duration of the course of injections is 7-10 days, after which a two-day break is necessary and the medicine is again administered in a similar way. For the treatment of psoriasis, 3-5 cycles of Thymodepressin are required.

Intranasal spray is prescribed as a means to prevent the recurrence of the disease, it is also used in the treatment of children. The course lasts 10 days, after which they take a break of two weeks and continue the therapy.

Treatment with Thymodepressin increases the likelihood of infections, so you need to avoid places where there is a danger of catching a cold.

Of the adverse reactions, allergic is more common. Thymodepressin is taken strictly according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor to exclude unwanted complications.

The drug has a mechanism of action of a cytostatic and an immunosuppressant, under its influence proliferating cells are suppressed and the functioning of T-lymphocytes is inhibited, which leads to a decrease in the humoral and cellular response of the body.

In psoriasis, the dosage is selected taking into account the clinical manifestations of the disease. The duration of the course is 4 months. But in the treatment they take breaks, this reduces the negative impact of Cyclosporine on the kidneys.

Initially, the drug was used in the treatment of patients with malignant diseases. Its use in people with psoriasis has also reduced the severity of concomitant disease. And this was the basis for the appointment of Methotrexate in severe forms of psoriasis and in psoriatic arthritis.

In autoimmune disorders, Methotrexate works like this: the active substance of the drug masks a number of molecules, which prevents immune cells from installing them. Without these molecules, epidermal cells do not accumulate on the surface of the skin and do not cause an inflammatory reaction leading to the development of psoriatic elements.

Methotrexate is effective in the treatment of atypical and pustular psoriasis, erythroderma, psoriatic lesions of the nail bed and joint tissues. The duration of the course is 5 weeks. Methotrexate is administered intramuscularly, intravenously, or taken orally in tablets. But this drug must be taken with folic acid, and side effects include effects on red bone marrow and liver tissue.

The drug belongs to the latest generation of immunomodulators. The main substance is leflunomide, endowed with an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative mechanism of action and related to basic antirheumatic drugs.

The medicine is available in the form of tablets, treatment begins immediately with a large dose, which is gradually reduced. Therapy is continued for at least four months.

The drug improves the body's resistance to the influence of bacteria, improves hematopoiesis and cellular immunity, normalizes metabolic processes. Timalin is administered according to the scheme, the drug also leads to the regeneration of skin damaged by psoriasis.

In addition to synthetic immunomodulators, a group of natural ones is also used. You can improve the functioning of the immune system using products with aloe, cranberries, sea buckthorn, echinacea.

Self-selection and treatment with psoriasis immunomodulators is unacceptable. Medicines of this group are prescribed only after examination and are not suitable for the treatment of all forms of psoriasis. Without practical and theoretical experience, the use of immunobiological preparations does more harm than good.

Effective treatment of psoriasis largely depends on the right medication. Preparations for psoriasis should be prescribed purely individually, because not all medicines have the same effect.

All drugs for psoriasis can be divided into hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal drugs for psoriasis able to control the process of cell division, thereby stopping their rapid maturation. At the same time, hormonal agents are not so harmless and are able to interfere with the biochemical reactions that take place in the human body.

Therefore, effective drugs for psoriasis based on hormones are prescribed if homeopathy for psoriasis and other non-hormonal remedies do not have the desired effect, and even then hormones are recommended for a short time.

The best drug for psoriasis with hormones - Triamcinolone, Mometasone, Flumetasone, Triderm ointments, Flucinar, Dermovate, Mesoderm and others. If these drugs are prescribed, only the first three are used inside, the rest are external agents.

Due to the fact that patients will have a long-term treatment, doctors choose the safest means for prolonged therapy. Begin treatment of psoriasis with non-hormonal drugs based on natural ingredients. Many of them are quite effective at the initial stage of the development of pathology and really bring the expected relief to patients.

Non-hormonal drugs for psoriasis skin - salicylic and zinc ointment, as well as ointment with tar. Preparations are produced mainly for external use. If there is a long-term treatment of psoriasis, the drugs can be changed so that there is no addiction and a decrease in the therapeutic effect.

Preparations against psoriasis on the body are divided by purpose, for which particular area they are recommended. In each subgroup, homeopathic preparations, industrially synthesized medicines, preparations by manufacturer can be distinguished.

Immunomodulators for psoriasis are able to cope with severe forms of the disease, so they are not always used, because they have side effects. General drugs are Methotrexate and Cyclosporine. Selective influence on the individual stages of the development of the disease are selective representatives.

New drugs for psoriasis on the body- Thymodepressin, Arava, Enbrel and others. They can be used regardless of the area affected by psoriatic plaques. The effectiveness of these funds has been proven.

At the same time, Chinese drugs with a similar effect do not always give a successful result. Treatment with Chinese remedies does not have confirmed results, so doctors recommend that you beware of dubious medicines.

Immunomodulators in psoriasis are actively used in complex therapy. Immunomodulators are drugs that regulate the activity of the immune system. They have two types - immunosuppressors (depressing immunity), and immunostimulants (stimulating immunity). Since it has been scientifically proven that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that develops as a result of a malfunction in the function of the immune system, it is immunosuppressants that are used to treat the disease.

Immunomodulators with a depressing effect on the patient's immunity are prescribed only for moderate and severe psoriasis, as well as for exacerbation of psoriatic arthritis!

The most effective immunomodulators include:

EFALIZUMAB. This preparation is presented in the form of humanized recombinant monoclinal antibodies. Efalizumab is prescribed for plaque psoriasis, severe and moderate psoriatic manifestations. The drug is administered s / c with periodic changes in the injection sites of the drug solution, which is prepared immediately before use. The initial dosage of the drug is 0.7 mg / kg. The injection is performed 1 p. in 7 days with a gradual increase in dosage to 1 mg. per 1 kg. body weight of the patient. The duration of treatment is up to 4 months, however, in the absence of positive dynamics after this period, the drug is considered ineffective and its cancellation is required.

cyclosporine. This agent is a synthetic chloroethylamine, referring simultaneously to both cytostatics and immunosuppressants. Cyclosporine is prescribed for the development of psoriatic arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and the treatment of malignant neoplasms. The most commonly used injection solution with an individual dosage. The duration of the course of treatment is 12 weeks.

METHOTREXATE. Initially, this remedy was developed to combat malignant neoplasms, but as a result of the use of the drug, a decrease in psoriatic symptoms was noted in patients with atypical development of psoriatic symptoms, psoriatic arthritis, erythroderma, pustular forms of the disease and nail psoriasis. Methotrexate is prescribed for psoriatic skin lesions of at least 20%. The duration of the course of treatment is no more than 5 weeks (3 rubles for 7 days).

INFLIXIMAB. This tool has a selective effect and is recommended for severe and moderate forms of the disease. Immunomodulators for the treatment of psoriasis in this group are effective in the absence of a positive result after using other drugs. Infliximab improves the quality of life of the patient, prolongs the time of remission and dramatically reduces the occurrence of relapse. In progressive forms of psoriatic arthritis, infliximab is recommended when more than 5 joints are affected. The drug is administered by infusion at a dosage of 3 to 5 mg. per 1 kg. body weight. To enhance efficiency, its combination with Methotrexate is recommended.

THYMODEPRESSIN. This immunomodulator is non-toxic and effective even in minimal dosages. Thymodepressin is prescribed as a prophylactic agent, as well as for the treatment of relapses of the disease among children and adults. Available in the form of a spray and solution for intravenous administration. The course of treatment is at least 10 days with a break of 2 days, then the cycle is repeated.

The purpose of the spray is most effective in prevention in children. In generalized psoriasis, intramuscular administration of Thymodepressin (2 ml) is recommended for 14 days, after which its effect can be enhanced with minimal doses of glucocorticosteroid drugs.

ENBLEL. This remedy is intended to stop inflammatory processes and suppress the body's immune system. Enbel, as a rule, is prescribed for the treatment of the progressive and active phase of psoriatic arthritis, as well as in the absence of a positive effect during basic therapy. The drug is available in an injection solution and is injected s / c.

ARAV. This tool is included in the group of immune drugs of a new generation and is prescribed for severe psoriasis, as well as psoriatic arthritis. The active substance leflunomide has an antiproliferative, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect. Positive dynamics is noted after 1 month and persists for a long time.

TIMALIN. This remedy is aimed at strengthening the body's resistance to bacterial infections, regulating cellular immunity, improving hematopoiesis and metabolism. In addition, Timalin has a good regenerating effect.

These funds are recommended for use in mild manifestations of psoriatic symptoms. Their effectiveness lies in lengthening the remission period. Despite the weaker effect of natural preparations, in comparison with synthetic immunosuppressants, most patients note a decrease in the symptoms characteristic of psoriasis (itching, redness and rashes).

It must be remembered that immunomodulators can only be used after consulting a doctor who will draw up an individual plan for taking the drug in accordance with the severity of the symptoms. When choosing a drug, it is imperative to take into account individual intolerance and toxicity of the immunomodulator, so quite often the search for the most optimal drug takes a lot of time, as well as treatment, which can last from 4 to 22 weeks. With positive dynamics during this time, there is a complete disappearance of symptoms of psoriasis.

The disadvantages of using immunomodulators include:

• the price of drugs in this group, in comparison with other classical drugs used in the treatment of psoriasis, is relatively high (especially for innovative immunomodulators). This fact does not allow them to be purchased by many categories of patients with an average income;
• sometimes, within 6-7 months after the therapy, psoriasis may return, accompanied by a more severe course;
• during treatment with immunomodulators, the patient's immune system is actively suppressed, which makes the patient's body susceptible to acute infectious diseases;
• immunomodulators for psoriasis symptoms are taken only under the supervision of the attending physician.

An important facet of complex therapy for psoriasis is the natural restoration of the protective function of the body, so treatment, including the use of immune agents, requires strict adherence to the recommendations of a highly qualified specialist.

Psoriasis is one of the most common dermatoses, but the causes of its occurrence are still not exactly clear. One of the popular theories links the development of dermatosis with a malfunction of the immune system. This is the reason for the use of immunomodulators in psoriasis.

Some believe that this is an autoimmune disease, while others are of the opinion that the pathology occurs under the influence of a number of other factors.

In most cases, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.

The skin has a protective function. It consists of immunocompetent and phagocytic cells, protects the body from pathogens.

A decrease in immunity immediately affects the state of the epidermis: viruses, bacteria penetrate the upper layers of the skin, begin to produce substances that cause an inflammatory process. This causes increased cell division.

How to boost immunity in psoriasis

Most often, psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. Therefore, in order to prevent the disease, to achieve long-term remission, it is necessary to raise immunity. Experts offer to strengthen the body's defenses in different ways:

• medication;
• folk;
• proper nutrition;
• sufficient physical activity.

To raise immunity, a person should receive a certain amount of minerals, vitamins, trace elements daily. You can fill the deficiency of nutrients through the use of drugs or the use of certain foods. It is necessary to overcome nicotine addiction and stop drinking alcohol.

Medicines for the normalization of the immune system are divided into:

1. Immunostimulants of general action. Change the way the immune system functions. Drugs negatively affect the state of internal organs, so they should be used as directed by a doctor.
2. Selective immunomodulators. The preparations include monoclonal antibodies, which have a directed effect on some parts of the immune system, provoking the onset of symptoms of psoriasis. Before using drugs, an immunogram is prescribed to help detect pathological changes. Selective drugs do not have a negative effect on the body.
3. Immunosuppressants. Suppress the activity of the immune system, reducing the intensity of autoimmune reactions. They make the body susceptible to infectious diseases, so they should be used with caution.

List of drugs and how to take them

For the treatment of psoriasis, drugs of various forms are used: tablets, injections, ointments, creams. Injections allow you to quickly relieve an acute condition. Means of external use remove inflammation of the skin, uncomfortable sensations. Before using a certain medication, you should read the instructions.

List of effective drugs for psoriasis:

• Efalizumab.
• Cyclosporine.
• Methotrexate.
• Infliximab.
• Thymodepressin.
• Enbrel.
• Arava.
• Timalin.
• Derinat.
• Heptor Likopid.

Efalizumab

Suppresses the activity of T-lymphocytes and reduces the severity of the manifestations of the disease. Doctors prescribe efalizumab for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis. The drug is taken once a week. The initial dosage is 700 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. The dose is gradually increased to 1 mg/kg. The duration of therapy is 2-3 months. If necessary, the course is extended.

Cyclosporine

The drug stops the autoimmune inflammatory process. It is prescribed in tablet form. The standard daily dose is 2.5-3.5 mg per kilogram of body weight. The duration of the course is several months. It is not recommended to take the medicine for a long time due to the high risk of adverse reactions from the kidneys and liver. In severe forms of pathology, Cyclosporine is administered intravenously in a hospital.

infliximab

Selective drug. It is prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis.

Helps with the immunity of the body to other drugs.

Reduces the likelihood of relapses. Infliximab is given intravenously.

Dose - 3-5 ml per kilogram of weight. Usually used in combination with Methotrexate. The duration of the course and the treatment regimen are selected by the doctor.

Methotrexate

Highly effective drug. Helps to get rid of manifestations of pustular, atypical psoriasis. Use when other means do not improve the condition. Methotrexate tablets are prescribed to drink before meals three times a week. The dosage is 2.5 mg. The treatment course is from 4 to 6 weeks. In an acute condition, Methotrexate is taken weekly at 10-30 mg.

Thymodepressin

Contains glutamic acid and tryptophan. It is characterized by low toxicity, therefore it is suitable for the treatment of psoriasis in pregnant women and children. Produced in the form of an injection solution for intramuscular injection. The daily dose for an adult is 1 ml. The doctor selects the dosage for the child individually. Injections are given up to 10 days. After a two-day break, the course is repeated. In total, it is shown to go through 3-5 cycles.

Enbrel

Suppresses the immune system, relieves inflammation. Suitable for the treatment of psoriasis in progressive and active forms, when basic anti-inflammatory do not help. Use injection solution. It is administered subcutaneously at a dosage of 25 mg every 3 days or 50 mg weekly. The dose for children is 0.8 mg / kg. Treatment course - up to 12 weeks.

An effective new generation remedy for psoriasis.

Available in tablets. It is often prescribed in complex therapy together with Methotrexate.

Contains the element leflunomide, which has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antirheumatic effects.

They drink pills according to the scheme: 3 days reception, a day break. The initial dose is 100 mg.

The duration of the course is up to six months.

Timalin

Increases resistance to pathogenic microorganisms. Stops the inflammatory process, improves hematopoiesis and metabolism, stimulates the regeneration of the epidermis, normalizes the functioning of immune cells. The injection liquid is administered daily in an amount of 1-2 ml per week. In severe cases, the course is extended to 10 days. Six months later, the therapy is repeated.

Derinat

Means for external use. Contains chloride and sodium deoxyribonucleate. The drug is applied to a piece of gauze and applied to the affected area of ​​the body. It is allowed to apply Derinat up to 4 times a day. Removes infection, inflammation, stimulates tissue regeneration.

Heptor Likopid

An effective remedy for psoriasis and other skin problems. It has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and regenerating effect. The daily dose for an adult is 10-20 mg, for a child - 1-3 mg. Treatment course - 10-20 days.

Efalizumab

The drug belongs to monoclonal antibodies, is made using cells obtained from hamster ovaries. The main action is the suppression of activated T-lymphocytes, which in the treatment of psoriasis reduces the severity of symptoms, reduces the inflammatory process and improves skin condition.

Efalizumab is indicated for patients with severe plaque psoriasis. The drug is administered subcutaneously with a gradual increase in dosage. The injection is given once a week, the total duration of the course is three months.

If at the end of this period a positive trend is revealed, then the use of the drug is continued. In the absence of changes in the course of the disease, Efalizumab is no longer used.

Possible side effects during treatment with the drug:

• Flu-like syndrome, manifested by nausea, pain in the muscles and head, symptoms of intoxication.
• Allergic reactions at the injection site - hyperemia, rash, urticaria. You can reduce these manifestations by constantly changing the injection site.
• development of infectious diseases.
• Changes in the blood - leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytosis.

During treatment, it is required to monitor the indicators of blood cells on a monthly basis. Efalizumab is prescribed separately from other general and systemic immunomodulators. Women of childbearing age are required to use reliable contraception when using this medicine, as there is a risk of fetal malformations in a possible pregnancy.

Efalizumab is not prescribed for patients under 18 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients with severe infectious diseases and malignant neoplasms.

Thymodepressin

Synthetic drug, consists of tryptophan and glutamic acid. Thymodepressin is a drug with low toxicity, therefore it is used in the treatment of psoriasis in children. The therapeutic effect begins to appear already with the appointment of a small dose of an immunomodulator.

Available in solution for intramuscular injection and in the form of a nasal spray. The duration of the course of injections is 7-10 days, after which a two-day break is necessary and the medicine is again administered in a similar way. For the treatment of psoriasis, 3-5 cycles of Thymodepressin are required.

Intranasal spray is prescribed as a means to prevent the recurrence of the disease, it is also used in the treatment of children. The course lasts 10 days, after which they take a break of two weeks and continue the therapy.

Treatment with Thymodepressin increases the likelihood of infections, so you need to avoid places where there is a danger of catching a cold.

Of the adverse reactions, allergic is more common. Thymodepressin is taken strictly according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor to exclude unwanted complications.

Cyclosporine

The drug has a mechanism of action of a cytostatic and an immunosuppressant, under its influence proliferating cells are suppressed and the functioning of T-lymphocytes is inhibited, which leads to a decrease in the humoral and cellular response of the body.

In psoriasis, the dosage is selected taking into account the clinical manifestations of the disease. The duration of the course is 4 months. But in the treatment they take breaks, this reduces the negative impact of Cyclosporine on the kidneys.

Methotrexate

Initially, the drug was used in the treatment of patients with malignant diseases. Its use in people with psoriasis has also reduced the severity of concomitant disease. And this was the basis for the appointment of Methotrexate in severe forms of psoriasis and in psoriatic arthritis.

In autoimmune disorders, Methotrexate works like this: the active substance of the drug masks a number of molecules, which prevents immune cells from installing them. Without these molecules, epidermal cells do not accumulate on the surface of the skin and do not cause an inflammatory reaction leading to the development of psoriatic elements.

Methotrexate is effective in the treatment of atypical and pustular psoriasis, erythroderma, psoriatic lesions of the nail bed and joint tissues. The duration of the course is 5 weeks. Methotrexate is administered intramuscularly, intravenously, or taken orally in tablets. But this drug must be taken with folic acid, and side effects include effects on red bone marrow and liver tissue.

The drug belongs to the latest generation of immunomodulators. The main substance is leflunomide, endowed with an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative mechanism of action and related to basic antirheumatic drugs.

The medicine is available in the form of tablets, treatment begins immediately with a large dose, which is gradually reduced. Therapy is continued for at least four months.

Timalin

The drug improves the body's resistance to the influence of bacteria, improves hematopoiesis and cellular immunity, normalizes metabolic processes. Timalin is administered according to the scheme, the drug also leads to the regeneration of skin damaged by psoriasis.

In addition to synthetic immunomodulators, a group of natural ones is also used. You can improve the functioning of the immune system using products with aloe, cranberries, sea buckthorn, echinacea.

Self-selection and treatment with psoriasis immunomodulators is unacceptable. Medicines of this group are prescribed only after examination and are not suitable for the treatment of all forms of psoriasis. Without practical and theoretical experience, the use of immunobiological preparations does more harm than good.

Conducting immunotherapy for psoriasis involves the use of immunomodulators of the old and new generations. The latter are expensive, but they have a milder effect on the body.

Efalizumab

The drug contains modified monoclonal antibodies obtained from Chinese hamster ovaries. Efalizumab inhibits the activity of T-lymphocytes, reducing the intensity of autoimmune reactions. Under the influence of the drug, the severity of psoriasis symptoms decreases, signs of inflammation disappear, and the general condition of the skin improves.

The remedy is prescribed for psoriasis vulgaris of moderate and severe course. The solution is injected subcutaneously, a single dose is 0.7 mg/kg. Injections are given once a week, the dose is gradually increased until the onset of a therapeutic effect. Treated for at least 3 months. When using the drug, the following side effects may occur:

• febrile syndrome (fever, aching muscles and joints, headache);
• local reactions (itching and redness of the skin, pain at the injection site);
• allergic reactions (urticaria, angioedema, anaphylactic shock);
• decrease in the number of leukocytes, platelets and lymphocytes;
• generalized bacterial, viral or fungal infections;
• increased activity of liver enzymes;
• the appearance of benign and malignant neoplasms.

Other Ways to Boost Immunity

Dieting

Proper nutrition helps to increase the chances of psoriasis going into remission. Foods that can provoke an allergic reaction are excluded from the diet:

• chocolate and confectionery;
• smoked meats and sausages;
• citrus;
• salted and pickled vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables with a neutral taste, fermented milk products, sea fish, buckwheat porridge are useful for psoriasis. Products must be boiled, stewed or steamed.

Helps to normalize the functioning of the immune system:

1. Decoction of bay leaf. 7-8 small sheets pour 400 ml of boiling water, cook over low heat for 10 minutes. The agent is cooled, filtered and taken 100 ml 3 times a day. The course of treatment is a week.
2. Collection of chamomile, tricolor violet, St. John's wort and lingonberry leaves. The ingredients are mixed in equal proportions, 1 tbsp. l. the mixture is poured with 200 ml of boiling water, insisted for half an hour, after which 1 tbsp is added. l. pharmacy extract of eleutherococcus. The tool is taken in the morning at 0.5 tbsp.

How to treat parotid lymphadenitis and cervical lymph nodes with psoriatic arthritis

Inflammation covers the cervical, lumbar regions. Appears parotid lymphadenitis.

With such a pathology, the lymph nodes in the neck begin to inflame and increase.

In case of idiopathic inflammation of the nodes, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed (macrolide, penicillin, cephalosporin preparations).

Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs (Paracetamol, Ibuklin, Nurofen) are used to eliminate fever and pain syndrome.

Thus, psoriasis occurs with a sharp decrease in immunity. You can raise the body's defenses with the right way of life, nutrition, medicines. To stop the manifestations of psoriasis and prolong the period of remission, doctors prescribe immunomodulatory drugs.